Married Man’s Camping Ground | Free Secluded Camping near Strath Creek, VIC

For those seeking a more rustic and secluded bush camping experience, Married Man’s Camping Ground offers a tranquil escape just off the beaten track in Victoria’s scenic Strath Creek region. Tucked away amongst the native gums, this small, informal free campsite provides an intimate connection with nature. It’s a place where the gentle murmur of the nearby creek and the call of the kookaburra are the dominant sounds, offering a profound sense of peace and isolation. This campsite is ideal for the self-sufficient camper who values solitude over amenities and is looking to truly disconnect.

The charm of Married Man’s lies in its simplicity. It’s a classic bush camp, perfect for rolling out a swag, setting up a tent, or parking a small camper trailer. The unmanicured clearing invites you to find your own perfect spot, light a responsible campfire in an existing pit, and soak in the starlit night sky, far from any light pollution. While it lacks the open space of larger grounds, its compact nature ensures a quieter stay. Access to the nearby creek provides a lovely backdrop and a chance for a paddle on a warm day or to try your luck fishing for local species. As a pet-friendly location, it’s a great spot to let your canine friend explore the bush with you, always ensuring they are supervised. This campground is a testament to the simple joys of camping: the crackle of a campfire, the beauty of the Australian bush, and the quiet moments of reflection it affords. Before visiting, ensure you are completely self-contained, carrying in all your water, food, and supplies, and are committed to leaving the site exactly as you found it by taking all your rubbish home. Married Man’s is a precious spot for those who appreciate and respect a minimal-impact camping ethic.

Campground Details

• Name: Married Man’s Camping Ground
• Address: King Parrot Creek Road, Strath Creek, VIC 3658, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.52933803545551, 145.94194218381122
• Website: Not available (Informal Bush Camp)

Site Information

• Location: A small, secluded clearing in the bush near King Parrot Creek.
• Site suitable for: Tents, swags, and small camper trailers. Not recommended for caravans or large motorhomes due to limited space and turning circle.
• Road access: Dirt track access from King Parrot Creek Road. A 4WD vehicle may be required after wet weather.
• Site surface: Natural earth, grass, and leaf litter.
• Camping permitted: Yes.
• Maximum overnight stays: 72 hours (3 nights) recommended.
• Facilities: None. This is a self-sufficient bush camp.
• Potable water: No, you must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very unlikely. Expect no mobile service.
• TV reception: Non-existent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. A strict “leave no trace” policy applies. Take all rubbish with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in existing fire pits only, subject to local fire restrictions and total fire bans. BYO firewood.
• Generator use: Discouraged due to the quiet nature of the site. If essential, use only for short periods during the day.
• Number of sites available: Approximately 2-4 informal sites.
• Essentials to bring: All water, portable toilet, shovel, rubbish bags, firewood, first-aid kit.
• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
• Fishing: Yes, access to freshwater fishing in the nearby creek. Victorian fishing license required.
• Short walks: Informal walking along the road and tracks in the surrounding bush.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Flowerdale Hotel: ~10km
  • Strath Creek Hotel: ~13km
  • Royal Hotel in Broadford: ~28km
• Places to Eat:
  • Flying Tarts Bakery & Cafe, Flowerdale: ~10km
  • Broadford has various cafes, bakeries, and takeaway options: ~28km
• Local Attractions:
  • Trawool Estate for dining and views: ~23km
  • Great Victorian Rail Trail access in Tallarook or Yea: ~33-38km
  • Mount Disappointment State Forest for hiking and 4WD tracks: ~38km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Broadford Caravan Park: ~28km
  • Yea Riverside Caravan Park: ~38km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Petroffs Camping Ground: ~2km
  • Murrindindi Scenic Reserve: ~33km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Broadford Caravan Park (fee may apply for non-guests): ~28km
  • Yea Showgrounds & Recreation Reserve: ~38km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Flowerdale: ~10km (may have limited hours)
  • Broadford: ~28km (multiple options, 24/7 available)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Yea Visitor Information Centre: ~38km
  • Broadford Service Centres: ~28km
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Petroffs Camping Ground: ~2km
  • Flowerdale Community Hall: ~10km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, often dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, but can exceed 35°C. High fire danger season.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with cooler nights. Beautiful foliage colours. Average temperatures from 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet. Nights can be frosty and drop close to freezing. Average temperatures from 3°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with increasing sunshine. Creek levels are usually highest. Average temperatures from 8°C to 20°C.